The earliest chandeliers were very basic, almost primitive devices that involved two pieces of wood connected together to form a cross. A spike was inserted at each end to hold the candles and a rope or chain was connected to the crosspiece and then suspended from the ceiling. As a former antique dealer, Ive found that nearly all of the earliest chandeliers were destroyed and very few authentic examples remain in existence today. The chandelier found its resurgence in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries and was found in the great palaces of Europe and America.

Wellarranged lighting will automatically give life and verve to the reception rooms that you want. You can adjust the lighting like ingredients in your favorite dish. Subdued light creates a restful environment; different colors set different moods. You can have fun selecting the types of lighting that you feel comfortable with. If you think you need to encourage certain aspects of your individuality, your personality, see if you can decide how to coordinate that. You can use a chandelier in almost any room, since there are countless styles from which to choose from.

Crystals in chandeliers were originally used to help reflect and spread the light. Crystal glass was found to be the best material for this purpose. Into the 19th century, roped pendants and hanging drops were added to chandelier designs. With the discovery and use of electricity, the antique chandelier has of course moved with the times, and now incorporates electric or gas lighting. Candlelit chandeliers are still available, however, and can add some wonderful unique elegance and personality in the lighting of your home.